Healy Cleared To Play, But Awaits Scan Results

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Healy Cleared To Play, But Awaits Scan Results

7 June 2013 09:11am

By Editor

Leinster and Ireland prop Cian Healy has played in the opening two matches of the Lions tour, coming on as a replacement against the Barbarians and starting in the number 1 jersey against Western Force

It has been a busy day off the pitch for Cian Healy in Brisbane with an early morning disciplinary hearing for an alleged biting offence followed by a hospital scan on his injured left ankle.

Irish rugby fans woke up to good news from Australia as Cian Healy was cleared of 'acts contrary to good sportsmanship', following a two-and-a-half hour hearing in Brisbane today (Friday).

Healy was cited following an incident in the 17th minute of the Western Force v British & Irish Lions match in Perth on Wednesday under law 10.4 m - acts contrary to good sportsmanship against Western Force scrum half Brett Sheehan.

Hearing the case judicial officer, Nigel Hampton QC, found insufficient evidence to support the allegations and cleared Healy, who attended the hearing with Brian O'Driscoll, the Lions' captain against Western Force, and tour manager Andy Irvine.

In his findings, Hampton stated that on the balance of probabilities he was not satisfied that Healy bit former Australian international Sheehan.

"There is no conclusive video evidence of the incident and post-match it was not possible to distinguish any discernible bite marks outside of the 'regular' marks usually found following a rugby match," Hampton said in his findings.

"I cannot find proven on the balance of probabilities that there was a deliberate bite here, and the citing complaint is not upheld."

Hampton determined that during the tackle Sheehan's arm may have come in contact with Healy's mouth and due to the pressure of the tackle it is likely that unavoidable contact between Healy's mouth and teeth and Sheehan's arm occurred.

Giving his reaction to being cleared, Healy said: "I am very relieved that the hearing has cleared me of such an allegation. I was naturally very disappointed that there was a citing in the first place.

"I always maintained that nothing happened and that I had done nothing illegal. The opposition player's arm hit me. It is as simple as that.

"The support I had from the management and all the lads was wonderful and I am glad that it is all over."